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AUGUSTA, Ga. -- Sept. 18, 2007 -- The National Research Corporation (NRC) announced in this week’s edition of Modern Healthcare magazine that University Health Care System has been named the Consumer Choice Award winner for best overall quality and image in the Augusta region for the ninth consecutive year.

The Consumer Choice Award is based on an independent survey of consumers conducted by National Research Corporation (NRC) to recognize the most preferred hospitals in 190 metropolitan areas across the country. University is one of an elite group of hospitals nationwide, and the only one in the Augusta region, to win the award each year since 1999.

“While honored to receive this award, we know that we won because of our employees, physicians, volunteers and board members who work hard every day to make a difference for our patients and the community,” said J. Larry Read, president/CEO of University Health Care System. “It is a tremendous pleasure to work in an organization that is committed to continuing this tradition of caring.”

NRC CEO Michael D. Hays said consumers play an increasing role in selecting their health care facilities and services.

“As more health care quality information is made publicly available, we expect this trend to increase,” Mr. Hays said. “These organizations are selected for the Consumer Choice Awards by the community residents they serve. We are pleased to honor these facilities for their dedication to quality health care in the eyes of their patients.”

This year, University was a clear leader above all area hospitals in 29 out of 35 categories, including the following: